Thursday, 10 October 2019:
 | | ASHLEIGH BARTY of Australia . | |
|
Whatever happens over the next month, Ashleigh Barty is celebrating 2019 as mission accomplished.
The world No.1 tennis star has a big end to the year, with the WTA finals in Shenzen, China from October 28.
Barty is on track to become the first Australian in tennis since Lleyton Hewitt in 2002 to end the year with the No.1 ranking.
No Australian woman has achieved the feat since Margaret Court in 1973.
After Shenzen, Barty will spearhead the Australian team at the Fed Cup final against France in Perth on November 9-10.
"It's a target without being a target," she said of ending the year at No.1.
"We've put ourselves in this position to perhaps make it, but if we don't it's not going to change the way I view this year or the perspective I've gained from this year."
Barty will then be the top local hope in January at the Australian Open, but she said that is a long way off.
"For the time being we're worrying about these last two weeks, two incredible weeks to finish off the year," she said.
"If I'm being honest, I will worry about enjoying some holidays before we worry about next year's 'AO'.
"It will be an incredible way to finish off this year, (it's) been a rollercoaster and a whirlwind, but I've enjoyed every single minute.
"I've learned so much and I feel like I've gained so much experience. But I'm looking forward to finishing off the year well."
Barty's barnstorming year, highlighted by her French Open title and the world No.1 ranking, made her a finalist for The Don award at Thursday night's Sport Australia Hall Of Fame annual function.
"It's been an incredible year, I'm extremely humbled to be here tonight with so many legends of Australian sport," Barty said.
"I feel very, very lucky to be such a small part of it.
"The year we've had has been extremely special, for myself and for my team."
Barty was asked if she had surprised herself with the year's achievements.
"I think I have, but I know all the work and dedication I've put into it has given me this opportunity," she said.
"As I keep saying, it's a lot to do with the people around me. I have an incredible team."
The good times kept rolling for Barty, a keen Richmond fan, with last month's AFL premiership.
Barty said she listened to the first half in a car while driving to Beijing and then caught the rest of the game via computer.
Barty said she had spoken to Tigers captain Trent Cotchin since the match.
"I still had sweaty palms, right until the end," she said.
"I certainly have no complaints. It's been an incredible year, so we'll keep trying to ride the wave."
